Automatic bobbin winder



Ct- 31, 1944 G. s. BECKMAN AUTOMATIC BOBBIN-WINDVER 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 15, 1943 f ffm G. s. BECKMAN AUTOMATIC BOBBIN-WINDER Filed Jan. l5, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 OCt- 31, 1944 4 G. s. BECKMAN 2,361,813.

AUTOMATIC BOBBIN-WINDER .Filed Jan. l5, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. 31, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT oEEicE i 2,361,813 AUToMATTo noBnIN WINDER 'Gustaf S. Beckman, Cranston, R. I., assignor to Universal Winding Company, Boston, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application January 13, 1943,'seria1No. 472262 and severing device of simple construction which Y 17 Claims. This invention relates to automatic bobbinwinding machines of the type disclosed in United.

' States Letters Patent No. 2,302,715 issued November 24, 1942, to Charles D. Reynolds et al., and

particularly to a yarn-trap for automatically and carrying it into positionl for attachment to a new bobbin, combined with yam-severing means operated thereby to sever the strand closely adjacent the new bobbin.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a machine oi! the type indicated, a yarn-trap for locating the trailing yarn-strand in position for attachment to a new bobbin and embodying v means in the trap for severing the strand closely adjacent the new bobbin and further means lfor tensioning thestrand during the severing operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide in an automatic bobbin-winding machine, a yarntrap of the type indicated adapted to be operated by the means for transferring a new bobbin into winding position and positively and automatically locked in` operative position until the winding of the .new bobbin is `started and the strand severed.

is positive in action and proof against derangement or getting out of order. l

Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction of the device, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: u

Fig. l is a side elevational view of the essential mechanism of an automatic bobbin-winding machine showing the yarn-trap as applied to use therewith and indicating the position of the elements of the trap during a winding operation;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the parts in position after a wound bobbin has been doffed from the windingspindle and the yarntrap operated to position the trailing end from the doffed bobbin for attachment tov a new bobbin and ,locked in operative position;

Another object of the invention is to provide in anautomatic bobbin-winding machine, a yarn- -trap and lsevering device o! the type indicated embodying means for operating a second yarnsevering device aranged to sever the loose length or "tail" of yarn projecting from the first coils wound on the new bobbin.

Another object of the invention is to provide in afmachine of the type indicated,` a pair .of pivoted yarn-catching fingers or Jaws adapted to beswung into closed relationship to draw the yarnstrand into position for attachment to a new bobbin with a knife-blade movable with one of the 'nngers to adapt it to engage the yarn held by the lingers to sever the strand as it is -drawn thereacross during thelinitial windlngion the new bobbin. i

Another object of the invention is to provide in a machine o! the type indicated, a'yam-trap 55 Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view on line 3--3 of Fig. 2 showing the electromagnetic'means for operating the locking device; I'

1 Fig. 4 is yan enlarged plan view 'of the yarntrap shown with its parts in inoperative relationship and indicating in dash-lines the manner in which the yarn trailing from a dofied bobbin is grasped by the fingers or Jaws of the device;

Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the yarntrap showing the parts in the same position as illustrated in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view similar to Fig. 4 showing theflngers operated to locate the yarn in position for attachment to a new bobbin and the knife-blade Amoved into position to sever the strand when the latter is drawn thereacross during the initial winding on the new bobbin;

Fig. 'l is an end elevation of the device with the parts shown in the same position as illustrated in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view online 8 8 of Fig. 7 showing the means for tensioning the yam-strand during the severing operation;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the bobbingripping and rotating means, showing an empty i bobbin in place to start the winding operation and illustrating the auxiliary yam-severing device Ior severing the loose length or tail" of yarn projecting from the initial winding on the bobbin;

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the tail-end severing device showing the parts in the same rela.- tionship as that illustrated in Fig. 9;

` Fig. 11 is a view similar4 to Fig. 9 showing the tail-end severing device operativeto sever the loose end or tail projecting from the initial coils of yarn wound on the empty bobbin;

Fig. 12 is an end elevationl oi the same;l and Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical 'control-means for timing the operations of cerbobbin is completed the bobbin is doied auto.

matically by retracting the driving cup to permit the full bobbin to drop through a chute and into a suitable receptacle. During the dofling of the wound bobbin the length of yarn leading thereto from the thread-guide is carried back toward the face of the retracted spindle-cup in readiness to be gripped between the cup and a fresh bobbin later transferred from a magazine into axial alinement with the spindle-cups. The length' of yarnf leading from the thread-guide to the doifed bobbin is carried toward the driving cup by a reciprocable yarn-retriever andthe doied bobbin descends in such a manner as to shift the length of yarn trailing therefrom toward the face of the cup. In other words, the length of yarn extending between the doffed bobbin and the threadguide is carried laterally into position across the face of the retracted spindle-cup by the comb.ned action of the yarn-retriever and the dofled bobbin itself. During the positioning of the yarnstrand in this manner, the strand is carried against a knife-blade to cause it to be severed from the doffed bobbin when the winding on the fresh bobbin is started.

After the yarn has been located across the face of the spindle-cup anempty bobbin is transferred into position in'axial alinement with the spindle-cups and the retracted driving cup re,- leased to engage it with the head of the bobbin with the strand firmly gripped thereagainst.

AWhen the driving cup and bobbin are rotated to start the winding operation the yarn depending from the driving cup is drawn upwardly across the knife-blade and thus severed from the doied bobbin. As a result of this action, a short end of yarn, commonly termed a tall. is left projecting from the first coils of yarn wound on the empty bobbin. .This tail is severed from the bobbin by means of a tail-end severing device shown and described in an application for United States Letters Patent, Serial No. 346,635,.filed July 20, 1940, by Gustaf S. Beckman, now Patent No. 2,351,472, dated June 13, 1944. 1 4

It is the aim of the present invention to provide means for more positively controlling the disposition of the yarn-strand across the face of the spindle-cup so that the strand will be attached securely to the new bobbin. In accordance with the present invention a combined yarn-positioningand severing device, herein termed a yarn-trap," is located below the spindle-cup, closely adjacent thereto. The yarn-trap comprises a pair of pivoted fingers or jaws operated by the bobbin-donning means to swing them into closed relationship to seize the length of yarn extending from the yarn-retriever to the doffed bobbin and draw it into position across the end face of: the spindle-cup. Aknife-blade carried by one of the lingers is movable into position to engage the yarn-strand trapped lby the fingers.

Simultaneously with the positioning of the yarnstrand, means incorporated in the trap act to apply tension to the strand. When the spindlecup Aisreleased and advanced axially the strand' is gripped between the cup and the end of the new bobbin and as the winding operation is started the tensioned yarn is drawn upwardly at an angle to the cutting edge of the knife-blade to cause it to be severed thereby. A weight-operated locking lever vis arranged to engage one of the fingers or jaws of the trap, after the latter has located the yarn-strand in position, to temporarily maintain both fingers and the knife-blade in operative position. IAfter the first few coils of yarn have been wound onv the new bobbin and the strand severed, the locking lever is actuated by an electromagnet to release the fingers or jaws and the parts of the trap are returned to inoperative position by a spring. t l

A second yam-severing device, similar to that disclosed in 'the patent application referred to previously, is employed for severing the short end or tail projecting from the first coils of yarn wound on the new bobbin. In the present improved winding machine the tail-end severing device is operated from the yarn-trap in timed relation to the operation thereof. The yarn-*rap is provided with means for rocking the tail-severing blade away from the head of the new bobbin to maintain the blade inoperative during the donning operation. When thengers of the yarntrap move to inoperative position after the start of the winding, the tail-cutting blade is released' and carried into position to cause its sharpened edge to engage the projecting tail to sever it from the winding bobbin.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings,

, the automatic bobbin-Winder illustrated therein is of substantially the same construction as that shown and described in the patent mentioned above and is therefore described only briefly herein in its relation' to the present improvements. The machine comprises a casing 2 housing the main driving elements for several winding units, only one unit being herein illustrated.

-means for rotating the bobbin b, being adapted to be slid axially of the spindle to doii a wound bobbin B and don an empty wooden bobbinb.

The bobbin-driver or cup 5 is slid axially in one direction to release a wound bobbin B by means of a bell-crank lever 9 actuated by an electromagnet I0 and link II, and in the opposite direction to grip a new bobbin b by means of a spring I2 compressed within the hollow sleeve cup as shown in Fig. 2.

During the winding operation the yarn-strand y leads downwardly from its source of supply, not herein shown, through a suitable tensiondevice, not shown, and thence through the eye of la threadguide I5 mounted on a reciprocable traverse-rod I6. The thread-guide lIii carries a feeler-wheel I1 having a threaded connection with the screw-'threads on the traverse-rod I6' lengthwise of the rod to produce filling-wound on the vspring 45. see Fig. 3, whichv pivotallyl mounted in a chute 2l, to be later described, and through means described in my prior patent the traverse-rod I8 is rotated to feed the thread-guide l rearwardly thereof toward the spindle-cup 5 to return the guide to initial winding position.

Substantially simultaneously with the return movement of the thread-guide i5 to' initial position a yarn-retriever 25 engages the yam-strand y extending from the guide to the doiled bobbin B in the chute 2l and shifts it rearwardly to a position where it reaches downwardly across the forward face of the retracted spindle-cup 5. The yarn-retriever 25 comprises fa plate formed with a longitudinal groove for receiving the yarnstrand and is carried at the lower end of a slide 26 arranged for reciprocatory movement along a horizontal rod 21. The slide 25 is slid along I the rod 21 bythe energization of an electromagcrank is connected to an arm 5I of the cradle 42 by a link 54, this construction being similar to that described in the patent referred to above. Upon energization of theelectromagnet 50 its armature, acting through the link 52, bell-crank lever 5I and link 54, will rock the cradle 42 in counterclockwise direction from the position shown in full lines to that indicated by dashnet 30, shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1, having its armature connected to rock a bell-crank lever 3i. The bell-crank lever 3l is ,connected to opcrate a second bell-crank I2 lpivoted above the winding unit by means of a link 33. Rocking motion, of the bell-crank '32 is transmitted through a link I5' to a pivoted lever 34 having its lower end joined to the slide by a pin-andslot connection 35. Upon energization of the electromagnet its armature is drawn fthereinto, thereby rocking 'the bell-crank lever 3l which, acting through the link 33, bell-crank 32, link V and lever 34 acts to slide the member 25 rearwardly, or toward the left as viewed in Fig. 1. The slide 26 is thus caused to move the yarn-retriever 25 in a horizontal path -beneath theeye of the thread-guide I5 to engage `it with vthe yam-strand leading from the guide to the doifed bobbin B and shift this portion of the strand Vtoward the end face of the spindlecup 5.l The yam-retriever 25 is retained in the lines in Fig. 3 to'adapt `it to receive anotherv bobbin as the latter is released @from the magazine 4|).4 'I'he bobbins b are released one at a time from the magazine by means of cooperating gates 55 and 51 which are actuated in timed relation to the movement of the cradle 42 by means of a pin 53 on the cradle engaging in angular slots 53 and 50 in the gates, see Fig. 3 and the prior patent referred to above.

When a wound bobbin B is doifed from winding position it drops onto the rockable gate 2li inthe chute 2|, as indicated by dash-lines in Fig. 3, where it is detained until the yarn-retriever 25 acts to locate the yam-strand adjacent the end face of the spindle-cup 5. The gate 20Nnormally is held in the raised position shown by full llines in Fig. 3 by an operating rod 52. rod 52 is bent into U-shape with the legs of the U arranged to slide in apertures in the side of the chute 2|. The upper leg 52 of the rod 52 engages the under side of the gate 2li and is slotted at 64 to provide an inclined cam-surface 55 which Y operates for a purpose as explained hereinafter.

i A spring 86 coiled around the rod 52 acts between one side of the chute 2l and a collar 61 on the rod normally to urge the latter toward the right as viewed in Fig. 3. T he end of the rod 62 projects beyond the right-handside of the chute with its end engaging the endfof the armature 59 of an electromagnet 10. When the electromagnet 10 is energized its armature 59, acting on the rod B2,- will slide the latter toward the left against the action of the spring 5l to permit the positionlast explained until the strand hasbeen attached to a new bobbin placed in alinement with the spindle-cup 5 and stub-spindle cup 5, atwhich juncture the retriever is shifted forwardly by means of a spring 38 attached to the lever 3l, see Fig. 2.

o Located adjacent the winding mit is a hopper or magazine, indicated generally in Figs. 1 and 3 by the reference character 40, for containing a supply ofemptybobbins b. The empty bobbins b are arranged in stacked relationship in the magazine '4Q and released one at a time from the bottom thereof onto a bobbin-transierringl cradle 42 in the-.manner-explained in the patent referred to above. The cradle 42 comprises a U-shaped'frarne pivoted on studs-42, see Figs. 2 and 3, and carrying plates 44 and 45.on\its lower horizontal portion. The plates 4,4 and 45l mount pivoted, spring-controlled bobbin-gripping ngers 45 and 41 for receiving and gripping the bobbinsb as they arereleased from the magazine 40. When the cradle 42 is rocked in clockwise direction, as viewedA inFlg. 3, the bobbin 'held by the fingers 45 and 41 will be shifted to a position in axial alinement with the spindlecup 5=and stub-spindle cup 5 to adapt it to be gripped therebetween. Rocking movement of the cradle 42 in this direction ireifected by a adapted to raise the armature of an electromagnet 50. 'I'he armature is connected to one -ann of a bell-crank gate 20 yto swing downwardly by gravity to the position indicated by dash-lines in Fig. 3. The wound bobbin B will thus be released and permitted to fall into a receptacle 12 removably mounted on the lower end of the chute 2i. The hinge-pivot 13 for the gate 20 is arranged at an angle to the, horizontal, see Fig. 1, so that when thel wound bobbin B is released from the gate to drop into the receptacle 12 it will be caused to assume the position shown in Fig. 2 with its head hf closely adjacent the rearward wall thereof.

Filling bobbins are sometimesprovided with 'a reverse or back wind" comprising a fewcoils of yarn applied after-the regular winding is completed to extendrearwardly from its tip to its head end. `'Ihroughtl'iis .provision the last Ifew -winding position 'and dropsinto the receptacle 12 the length of yarn extending from these coils to the yam-retriever is drawn into position across o the face of the spindle-cup 5. In other instances,

lever 5I by means of a 'link' 52 while the bell'- 'l5 however, whenthe back-wind is eliminated 'thef length of yarn extending upwardly from the tip -of the doed bobbin to the yarn-retriever will' lead lacross the end face of the -spindle-cup 5- at a relativelyv1 sharp angle. The present invention provides a yarn-trap,indicated generally by the reference character 15, for catching-this length-` of yarn regardless of the angle at which it extends to positively locate it in parallel relation to the face of the spindle-cup 5.

The yarn-trap 15 comprises a mountingin the form of a sheet-metal frame or bracket 55 fas- One end of they tened to the rearward wall' of the chute 20 and supporting the movable elements of the device. The frame 80 has a vertical portion 8| provided with slots 82 for receiving screws 83 which are threaded into the wallfof the chute 2| to secure the frame thereto, seeJFig. 3. The frame 80 also has a horizontal plate-like portion 84 which, with the portion 8|, is cut away to provide a relatively large opening 85, see Figs. 4 and 5. Arranged below the plate-portion 84 of the frame 80 in spaced parallel relation thereto is a horizontal plate 81 fastened to the frame(80 by means of studs 88 and 89. As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the studs 88 and 89 have elongated heads seated against the topof the plate-portion 84 of the frame 80 and reduced shanks 90 extending downwardly through holes in the yplate-portion with nuts 92 screwed onto their lower ends. Bushings 9| surrounding the reduced Shanks 90 of the studs 88 and 89 between the plates 84 and 81 serve to maintain the latter in spaced relationship.

'Ihe upper ends of the bushings 9| are reduced in diameter to provide bearings 93, see Fig. 8, for pivotally mounting a pair of yarn-catching fingers or jaws 95 and 98. The bearing portions of the fingers 95 and 98 are formed with meshing gearteeth 91 and 98, see Figs. 4, 5 and 6, for connectlng the fingers to swing in unison about-their pivot-bearings 93. 'I'he fingers or jaws 95 and 98 project forwardly from their toothed portions and the finger 98 is offset downwardly to underlie y the finger 95, see Fig. 7, to adapt the two fingersv to be rocked past each other as shown in Fig. 6. The finger or jaw 95 is of arcuate shape throughout its entire length while the finger 98 is relatively straight along the major portion of its length and curved in'wardly at its end. Projecting from the toothed bearing portion 91 of the finger 95 is an ear |00, see Figs. 4 and 5, which V is bent upwardly and then laterally with its end perforated to receive the elongated head of the stud 88. The ear |00 is formed with an inclined extension |0| for mounting a thread-severing knife |05, conveniently, a portion of a razorblade, secured to the extension b y-a screw |08.

The toothed bearing 98 of the finger 98 is also provided with an ear |08, similar to the ear |00, which is pivoted on the elongated head of the stud'89. An auxiliary arcuate finger ||0 having a rearward curved edge lll, see Figs. 4 and 6, extends from one side of the ear |08 inspaced relation to the main finger 98. Fastened to the top of the auxiliary finger ||0 is an vactuating lever |4. rAs hown in Fig. 4, the lever ||4 is pivoted on th head of the stud 89 and has a y radial arm H8, onev edge ||1 of which projects l in fixed relationship. As shown in Figs. 5 and '1,

the outer ends of the lever ||4 and auxiliary finger H0 are offset downwardly to provide clearance for' the parts of the b obbin'donningv mechanism.

.The thread-catching finger or jaw 98 is provided with a perforated ear |2| ffor receiving'tha end of a wire link |22. A helical spring' |23 cradle 42 and its opposite end hooked through the end of the link |22 normally tends to rock the finger or jaw 98, auxiliary finger ||0 and lever ||4y in counterclockwise direction to the position shown by full lines in Fig. 4; and through the engagement of the gear-teeth 91 and 88 the jaw 95 will be swung simultaneously in the opposite direction. The fingers 95 and 98 normally vare held in open relationship to receive the length o f yarn extending from the yarn-retriever 25 down to the doffed bobbin B in the receptacle 12, see dash-line-designated Y in Fig. 2. The two fingers 95 and 98 are adapted to be swung into their closed position shown in Fig. 6 to seize the length of yarn extending down to the dofied bobbin B to draw it laterally into juxtaposition with and leading directly across the face of the spindle-cup 5, as indicated by the dot-and-dash line designated y in Figs. 2 and 3.

The means for closing together vthe fingers or jaws 95 and 95 consists in a resilient wire loop |25 depending from a part of the bobbin-transferring cradle 42 and adapted to engage the edge of the lever l I4 fastened to the linger 98. As

shown in Fig. 3, the loop |25 is formed at the end of a wire |28 which is hooked around a portion of the plate 44, previously referred to. ex- -tended rearwardly and anchored tothe. end thereof. During the bobbin-donning operation, when the cradle 42 is rocked to carry a new bobbin into axial alinement with the spindle-cup 5 and stub-spindle cup 8 the wire-loop |25 will engage with and slide along the edge ||1 of the actuating lever 4 to rock the latter from the position shown in Fig. 4 to 'that indicated in Fig. 6. In this manner the fingers or/jaws 95 `and 98 are rocked to closed position to trap the yarn as explained more full hereinafter.

-It is essential that the length f yarn be `held by the fingers or jaws 95 and 98until it is fastened to the end of the empty wooden bobbin transferred to winding' position and, therefore, means are provided for latching or locking the fingers in closed position until after the winding operation is started. The locking means may comprise a lever |30 pivoted on a stud |3| held in a frame |32 attached to a portion of the chute 2|. see Figs. 2 and 3. As shown in Figs. l and 2, one army |33 of'the locking lever |30 extends from the'pivot |3| toward the/yarn-trap 15 and is provided with a beveled end adapted to act as a latch |34 therefor. The opposite shorter arm |25 is enlarged to provide a weight which overhalances Ythe longer arm |33, thus normally tending to rock the latter upwardly. The weighted arm |35 isrecessed or cutaway on its under side to provide a shoulder |38, see Figs.y 2`an'd 3, ywhich is adapted to:engage in the slot 84 of the gateoperating rod 82, previously described. When the rod 82 is slid toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, the'shoulder |38 on the lever |30 will rock downwardly into the deeper portion of the slot 84 to cause thelatching end |34 of the lever |30 to tilt upwardly to engage it with the' side of the finger 98, thereby acting tolatch or lock both lingers or` jaws 95 and 98 in closed relationship.

When the rod 52 is slid toward the left at a later y stage in-the operation of the machine the shoulder |38 on the lever |30 willA ride up the inclined cam-face of the Vslot 84 to rock lthe lever to withdraw its latching end |34 from engagement with the finger 98 andthe spring |23 will act to return the fingers of the yarn-trap vto open relationship. l

having one end anchored to the bobbin-transfer 15 In accordance with the present invention,

means are provided `for severing the short'end or tail of yarn projecting from the iirst coils of -yarn wound on the bobbin. As noted previously. this ,means is of substantially the same construction 4as that shown and des-cribed in the application re- The member |44 may be constructed of wire orrod formed with a horizontal bearing-portion and an arm |45 projecting upwardly therefrom at the side of the bearing |42 and bent over at its end.

The upper curved end of the arm |45 is ground to a bevel to provide a sharpened point |46 adapted to engage across the length of yarn extending from the `winding bobbin to the spindlecup 5 at a point adjacent the innermosty ring on the bobbin-head h, see Fig. 11. A follower-finger |41 is secured to the horizontal bearing-portion of the member |44 by a setscrew| 46 adjacent the inner face of the bearing |43. A lug |46 struck up from `the-base of the frame and engaging the side. of the finger |41 acts to restrain the member |44 against axial displacement. A wire spring anchored to one of the screws |4| and engaging under the rearward end of the finger |41 tends to rock it downwardly to pivot the member |44 in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10. An ear |5| on the frame |40, see Fig. 12, is positioned to engage the finger |41 to limit the rocking movement ofthe member |44 under the action of the spring |50 whereby to maintain its cutting point |46 in close proximity to the periphery of the head h of thebobbin b.

The means for rocking the yarn-severing member |44 in counterclockwise direction to remove its cutting point |46 from operative position comprises a cam mounted for movement with the thread-engaging finger or jaw 95. As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 9 and 110, the cam |55 is constructed in the form of an angular strip having a portion riveted to the under side of the ear |00 ofthe finger 95 and a vertical portion projecting upwardly therefrom. The vertical portion of the cam |55 is curved in an arc. concentric to the axis of the pivot-studA 88 and its upper edge is formed with an inclined cam-face |56. 'I'he cam-face |56 is adapted to engage the under y side of the linger |41 during the rocking motion of the ilnger 95 to closed position to thereby rock the tail-end severing member |44 from its operative position shown in Figs. 11 and 12 to its inoperative position indicated in Figs. 9 and 10.

The various doiilng and donning operations of the machine are effected by electromagnets, three of which are shown herein, and the energzation of the electromagnets is controlled by switches described in the patent 'referred to `above and indicated diagrammatically in Fig 13.

Suiiice it to state herein that a cam-shaft |60 operated from the drive of the machine carries a plurality of cams which operate in timed sequence to close switches connected'n the `circuits for the various electromagnets. Rotation of the shaft |60 is initiated by an electromagnetically-operated clutch, not herein shown, controlled by a suitable switch. The switch is actuated by means arranged to be shiftedyby the thread-guide when the bobbin reaches a predetermined length. Switches |63, |64 and |65, see Fig. 13, are connected in the circuits for the electromagnets |0, -50 and 30, respectively, being closed in the proper sequence by cams |66, |61 and |68 on the shaft |60. As shown in Fig. 13, the electromagnet 10 for operating the gate 20 is connected in series with the electromagnet 50 for returning the bobbin-transfer cradle 42 to initial position andv also with the electromagnet ,30 for operating-the yarn-retriever 25. Through this provision, the energization of either electromagnet 50 or 30 will cause simultaneous energization of the electromagnet 10. The'invention having been described in detail the method oi' operation of the complete machine` is explained as follows:4

Let it be assumed that the winding operation is in progress with the yarn-strand y feeding downwardly from its source of supply through a tension-device, not herein shown, and thence through the eye of the threadguide I5 to, the rotating bobbin b which is held between the spindle-cup 5 and stub-spindle cup 6. The thread-guide I5 is reciprocated by the traverse-rod I6 and advanced longitudinally thereof by means of the contactwheel l1 in a manner well known to those versed in the` art of winding. The winding operation is continued in this manner until the thread-guide I5 reaches a position adjacent the tip of the bobbin b, at which time the guide will engage suitable means such, for example as show n in .the Apatent referred to above, to closea switch to energize an electromagnet connected to shift a clutch for the control-shaft |60. The clutch, not shown' herein, connects the control-shaft l 60 to the drive of the machine whereby it is caused to rotate the cams |66, |61 and |68 to close the several switches |63, |64 and 65 in the circuitsfor the electro-4 magnets |0,.50 and 30. The cam |66 will first act to closethe switch |63 in the circuit for the electromagnet I0 to energize the latter and cause it to retract the cup 5 to release the wound bobbin B which will drop onto the gate 20`in the 'chute 2|.

Through the means disclosedin the patent referred to above, the traverse-rod I6 will be rotated to return the thread-guide |5 to initial winding position. Substantially simultaneously with the return of the thread-guidev I5 the cam |68 o-n the control-shaft |60 will close the switch |65 in the circuit for the electromagnet 30. 'Ihe electromagnet 30 thus will be energized and operating through the bell-crank 3|, link 33, bell- 1` explained that the electromagnet 10 is arranged into the receptacle 12. As the bobbin B drops in vseries with the electromagnet 30 so that both electromagnets will be energized simultaneously. When the electromagnet 10 is energized its armature will act against the end of the rod 62 to slide the latter' toward the left againstthe action of the spring 66 to shift it into the position indicated by ldash-lines in Fig. 3. The end of the leg 63 of the rod 62thus will be released from the gate 20 to permit thev latter to swing downwardly to the positonfindicated by dash-lines in Fig. 3, whereby to cause the wound bobbin B to drop into the receptacle 12 it will take up the slack in the lengtlrof yarn extending from its end to the thread-guide I5. The sliding movement. of the gate-actuating rod 62 toward the left, as

viewed in Fig. 3, will cause the shoulder |36 of n v tacle 12 will assume the position `shown in Fig. 2

with the length of yarn extending from its tip end to the yarn-retriever 25 at an angle to the vertical as indicated by the dash-line Y. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 2 that at this juncture the strand Y willflead in a direction sharply inclined to the end face of the spindlecup and in order to properly grip the yarnstrand between the cup and a newly supplied bob-4 bin it is necessary that the strand be carried into position parallel to and in close relation to the end face of the cup.

To properly position the yarn across the end of the spindle-cup 5 the present invention provides the yarn-trap which, as previously explained, is operated by the bobbin-transferring means. Referring to Fig. 3, the bobbin-transfer cradle 42 normally assumes the position indicated by dash-lines in this view to adapt rit to receive an empty bobbin b from the magazine y40. A magnetically-operated detent or latch, shown in the patent referred t'o above, is automatically withdrawn from engagement with the cradle 42 after the yarn-retriever has been actuated and the spring 48 then will act to rock the cradle to the position shown in full lines in Figs. 2 and 3, whereby to carry a. fresh bobbin b into axial alinement with 'the spindle-cup 5 and stub-spindle cup 6. During this rocking movement of the cradle 42 the wire-loop |25 carried thereby will engage the edge ||1 of the actuating lever ||4 of the yarn-trap 15 to rock the latter and swing the iinger 96, to which it ls attached, in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4. This swinging movement of the finger or jaw 96 is transmitted to the jaw 95 through the gear-tooth connection 91, 98 to simultaneously swing the finger 95 in the opposite direction. 'I'he fingers 95 and 96 thus will be swung toward each other in the manner indicated by dash-lines in Fig. 4, to cause their outer curved ends to catch and seize the length of yarn 1l. As the cradle 42 continues its rocking movement, the lingers or jaws 95 and 96 will be swung into closed position as shown in Figs. 3, 6 and 7 and the strand carried into alinement with the fae of the spindlecup 5 closely adjacent thereto as represented by the dot-and-dash line 'u in Fig. 2.. When the yam-catching lingers 95 and 96 are swung into closed position' the knife-blade |05 carried by the linger 95 will assume the position shown in Figs. 6, '1 and 8 with its sharpened edge located above the crotch formed' by the ciosed ngers. The strand y also will be guided above the knifeblade |03 to hold it against the edge thereof by the curved edge of the auxiliary threadiinger H0. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 8 that the fingers 95, 06 and ||0 cooperate with the forward edges of the plates 84 and 01 to form a bend or bight in the strand to cause it to follow a tortuous path and thus apply tension thereto.

I nger 95 to move to the position shown in Figs.

9 and 10. The cam-surface |56 thus will ride under'the nger |41 of `the tail-end severing member |44 to rock the latter in counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 10, against the action of the spring |50 4to* withdraw its point |46 from close proximity to the h'ead h of the new bobbin b. l

After the yarn-strand has been located across the face of the spindle-cup 5 in the manner explained above the electromagnet I0 is deenergized and the spindle-cup projected forwardly by the spring to cause it to grip theernpty bobbin b between it and the stub-spindle cup 6. The head h of the bobbin b will enter the recessed end'of the spindle-cup 5 and the yarn-strand y thus will be securely clamped between the cup and the end of the bobbin. The electromagnet /30 then is deenergized andthe yarn-retriever 25 slid forwardly by the spring 38 until its side engages an abutment-plate |10 mounted on the bobbin-cradle 42, see Fig. 1. The yarn-retriever 25 thus will be moved to a position forwardly of the head of the bobbin where it will operate as a bunch-builder to cause a relatively few coils of yarn to be wound on the barrelof the bobbin .tromagnct 10 is deenergized and the rod 62 in the chute 2| will be actuated by the spring 66 to slide it toward the right as viewed, in Fig. 3 to raise the gate 20. When the rod 62 is actuated in this manner its inclined slot 64 will release the lever to permit it to rock ,to the position shown by full lines in Fig. 2 with its latching end |34 engaging the side of the finger or jaw to lock the several elements of the yarn-trap 15 in operative position.

During the operation of the doiiing and donning mechanism of the machine in the manner as explained above the spindle 3 remains at rest, but immediately the empty bobbin b is gripped thereto with the yarn attached to the head of the bobbin rotation of the spindle is started and the thread-guide |5 is reciprocated by the traverse-rod I6. Rotation of the bobbin b will cause the yarn to be woundacross the head h of the bobbin b and onto its barrel portion to first wind a bunch thereon, whereafter the service winding is performed. As the spindle-cup 5 commences its rotation the length of yarn trailing from the winding bobbin will be drawn upwardly and asA the strand is tensioned to resist its draft across the sharpened edge of the blade |05 it will be severed thereby. I

After the winding operation has been started again in the manner explained above the bobbintransfer cradle 42 will be returned to position below the magazine 40 to adapt it to receive another empty bobbin b. 'I'he cradle 42 is rocked to initial position by the electromagnet 50, see Fig. 3, act- --ing through the link 52, bell-crank 5| and link 54, the electromagnet being energized when the switch |64 is closed by the control-cam |61.

As before erplained, the electromagnet 10 is connected in series with the electromagnet 50 so that when the cradle 42 is returned vto inoperative position the gate-actuating rod 62 in the chute 2| again will be slid toward the left. as viewed in Fig. 3. Movement oi' the rod 62 in this directoin will cause its cam-audace 95 to cam the weighted end I I of the lockingflever |30 upwardly to with.. draw its latching end |34 from engagement with the' side of the finger 98 of the yarn-trap 15. Upon-release of the linger 95 the spring |23. 'see Figs. 3 and 4, will act to return .both fingers 55 and. to their inoperative position shown by full lines inFig. 4.

Rocking movementof the parts of the'yar'nA-V" trap to inoperative position will cause the cam l adjacent the periphery of the ,head of the bobbin b. As the bobbin b continues its rotationthe blade |46 will be caused to engage the length of yarn t extending from the first coilsy of winding on the bobbin to the spindle-cup 5 to-sever this short tail therefrom, see Fig. 11. When the bobbin later is doffed from winding` position the reltively short tail t of ywaste yarn will drop away from the spindle-cup 5 and descend through the chute.

The energization of the electromagnets 10 and 50 is of short duration and upon deenergization Y of the magnet I0 the rod 52 in the chute 2|` will be moved' by the spring 66 to release the locking-` lever and permit it to returnto the position shown by full. lines in Fig'. 2. After the cradle 42 has been moved into position-'beneath the 5 magazine 40 by the operation of the electromagnet it is latched in this position by the detent means previously referred to until actuated again to transfer another empty bobbin into winding position. Rocking movement of the cradle 42 into inoperative position acts to.withdraw its abutment-plate |10 from engagementwith the i yarn-retriever 25 to permit the latter to return to its initial position shown in Fig. 1.

It w111 be observed from the foregoing that the' presentinvention provides improvements in auto..

matic. bobbin-winding machines for performing the several functions of winding a filling bobbin,

doiilng the wound bobbin, donning a fresh bobloinl and restarting the winding operation.` -The present invention' is directed particularly to a yarn-trap for locating the yamstrand trailing from' a doiled bobbin in proper position to insure its attachment to the next empty bobbin transferred to winding position' and for thereafter severing this length of yarn relatively close to the new bobbin. It has been the experience with machines previously used that when the `wound bobbins are doffed the yarn-strandtrailing there` from will be inclined at a sharp angie to the vertical and positioned away from the bobbin-driver or spindle-cup so that it cannot be attached thereby to anew bobbin. By means of the pres- Aent invention the yarn-strand is caught and grasped in the yam-trap to shift it positively into parallel relation to the spindle-cup and in.close .juxtaposition theretov regardless of the angular position of thestrand. The improved devicek also acts to lsever the strand close to the spindle-cup after it has been clamped to a lnew bobbin. As

a further feature of improvement the tail-end severing means for removing the waste end of yarn is operated from the yarn-:trap so that it is,

timed in sequence with the operationthereof.l

' lWhile a preferred formvof construction'of the i present yarn-trap is shown and describedvherein with the device applied to use on a particular type bobbin,"a paira of m automne bobbin-winding machine, it is to be parts of he device and in its application to use without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore,- without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

, V--l'nIn-an automatic winding machine, Ameans for winding a bobbin, means for dofilng the wound lbobbin, means for donning a new bobbin, means for attaching the yarn trailingifrom the doffed bobbin to the new bobbin, a yarn-trap located adjacent the yarn-.attaching means and comprising spaced stationary ,members a pair of jaws pivotally mounted between said members and projecting outwardly therefrom, means for normally maintaining the :laws in open relationship to adapt them to receive the trailing yarn therebetween, and means for closing the .jaws to seize ythe yarn and trap it between the spaced members to position it for attachment to the new bobbin. v

2. In an automatic winding machine.- means for winding abobbin, means for doiling the wound bobbn, means for donning a new bobbin, means for attaching the length oi' yarn trailing from the doffed bobbin to the new bobbin, a pair of .stationary tension-members, a pair of jaws movably mounted between said members, means for `normally maintaining said jaws in open relationship to adapt them to receive the trailing yarn therebetween, and means for moving the Jaws into closed relationship to seize the yarn and carry f comprising a pair of stationary plates, a pair of jaws Jrocltably mounted between the stationary plates, means for connecting said Jaws for simultaneous rocking movementtoward and away from each other. means for normally maintaining `the jawssin open relationship to adapt' them to receivethe trailing length of yarn therebetween,

andmeans for closing the jaws to shift the yarn into position between the plates in adjacent relation to the yarn-attaching means.

4. In an automatic winding machine, means ior winding a bobbin, means.. for dolng the wound bobbin, means` for donning an empty bobbin, means for attaching the length of yarnA trailing from the dined bobbin tov the empty able fingers, a knife-blade carried by andmovable with one of said fingers, nie'sans for normally maintaining the fingers in open relationship to adapt them to receive the trailing length of yarn thereb'etv'veen, and means for closing the lingers together' to trap the yarn and engage it with the edge of the knife-blade,

said blade ,acting to sever the yarn as it is drawn across the edge thereof during the initial winding on the empty bobbin.

5., In -an automatic .winding machine, means rf'or' winding abobbin; means. for doillng a wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin, means for attaching the length of yarn trailing from the dosed, bobbin to the empty bobbin, a

Vyarn-trap comprising a pair of rockably-mounted Jaws, a. knife-blade carried by one of the jaws,

means for normally maintaining the jawsin open relationship to adapt them-to receive the trailing length of yarn therebetween, and means for closing the jaws to seize the trailing yarn and locate it adjacent the blade, Asaid blade acting to sever the -yarn as it is drawn thereacross during the initial winding on the empty bobbin.

6 .`In an automatic Winding machine, means for winding a bobbin, means for dofling the wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin, means operative on the yarn trailing from the doied bobbin toattach it to the empty bobbin, means-for trapping the yarn to retain it in position 'for attachment to the empty bobbin comprising a pair of movable jaws, a knifebin, means operative on the length of yarn trailing from the dotted bobbin toattach it to the empty bobbin, means for trapping the length' of yarn in position to be attached to the empty bobbin comprising a pair of jaws arranged for relative movement toward and away from each cther, means for normally maintaining the jaws in open relationship to adapt them to receive the trailing length o! yarn therebetween, means for tensioning the trapped yarn, means for closing the jaws to catch the yarn and draw it into position forattachment to the empty bobbin t while engaging it with the tensioning meansl and means for locking the jaws in closed rela tionship during the operation of the yarn-attaching means.

8. In an automatic winding machine, means for winding a bobin, means for doffing the wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin, means engageable with the length of yarn trail-l ing from the dotted bobbin to attach it to the empty bobbin, means for trapping the trailing length of yarn to adapt it for attachment to the empty bobbin and thereafter severing the yarn comprising jaws operatively connected for simultaneous movement to open `or closed relationship, a knife-blade carried by one of'said jaws, m'eans for normallymaintaining the jaws in open relationship to receive the trailing length of yarn therebetween, means for closing the jaws I to seize the yarn and draw it into position to be acted upon by the yam-attaching means and against the blade, said blade acting to sever the yarn after the latter has been attachedto the empty bobbin, means for locking the jaws and blade in operative position, and means operative after the yarn has been severed to release the locking means. I

1 9. In an automatic winding machine, means i'or winding a bobbin, means for dofilng the wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin, means for attaching the length of yarn trailing from the doiIed bobbin to the empty bobbin, a yarn-trap for retaining the trailing length of yarn in position for attachment to the empty bobbin comprising a pair of rockable jaws, means for normally maintaining the jaws in open rebin, means for attaching the yarn trailing from the doifed bobbin to the empty` bobbin, means ,for trapping the trailing yarn in position -to be'attached to the empty bobbin and thereafter severing the yarn comprising a pair oi jaws mounted or rock toward and away from each other. a knife-blade, means for normally maintaining the jaws in open relationship to receivey the trailing length of yarn therebetween, means for closing the jaws to seize the yarn and shift it into position to be acted upon by the yam-attaching means and the knife-blade, said blade acting to sever the yarn during the initial winding thereof on the empty bobbin, means for locking the jaws in closed relationship, and means for releasing the locking mean's after the ilrst coils of yarn have been Wound on the bobbin.l

11; In an automatic winding machine, means for winding a bobbin, means for doiing the woundbobbin, means for donning a new bobbin, means operative on the length of yarn trailing from the doiled bobbin to attach it to the new bobbin, means for trapping the trailing length of yarn in position to be acted upon by the yarnattaching means, and means operated by the yarn-trapping means for severing the tail of yarn projecting from the rst coils of winding on the new bobbin.

l2. In an automatic winding machine, means for winding a bobbin, means for dofilng the wound bobbin, means for donning a new bobbin,A

means operative on the yarn trailing from the doied bobbin to attach it to the new bobbin, means for trapping the trailing length of yarn in position for attachment tothe new bobbin, means lationship to receive the yarn therebetween,

for severing the trapped yarn between the yarnattaching means and the doffed bobbin, means for winding the attached yarn on the new bobbin, and means normally held inoperative by. the yam-trapping means and 'releasable thereby to sev the tail of yarn projecting from the first coils of winding on the new bobbin.

13. In an automatic winding machine, means for. winding a bobbin, means for doillng the wound bobbin, means for donning a new bobbin, means operative on the length of yarn trailing from the doffed bobbin to attach it to the new bobbin, means for trapping the trailing length of yarn in position for attachment to the new bobbin, means for severing the trapped yarn ben tween the doiied bobbin and the yarn-attaching means, means for winding the attached yarn' on the fresh bobbin, means normally positioned adjacent the head of the new bobbin and adapted to sever the tail of yarn projecting from the first coils of winding thereon, and means operated by the yarn-trappingl means for withdrawing the tail-severing means from the winding bobbin.

14. In an automatic winding machine, means' for winding a bobbin, means for domng the wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin in winding position, means operative yon the length oi yarn trailing from the doii'ed` bobbin to attach it to the empty bobbin, a yarn-trap comprising means operative to close together to grasp the trailing length oi' yarn and position it for attachment to the end oi the empty bobe. said yarn-trap "for operating said lastnamed severing-means.

` 15. In an automatic winding machine, means for winding a bobbin, means for .doiing the wound bobbin, means for donning a new bobbin in winding position, means operative on the length of yarn trailing from'the doiledvbobbin to attach it to the new bobbin, afyarn-trap for catching the trailing length of yarn and carryingV it into position for attachment to the new bobbin, means.for severing the yarn from the dotted bobbin, means for severing the tail-end of yarnV v position it for attachment to the empty bobbin.

means for severing the length of yarn extending from the first coils wound'on the empty bob- CEL extending from the first coils cfK yarn wound on the new bobbin, and a cam actuated by the yarntrap to operate the last-named severing-means.

16. In an automatic winding machine, means for winding a bobbin, means for domng the wound bobbin, means for donning an empty bobbin, means operative on the length of yarn trail- -ing from the dotted bobbin to attach it to the empty bobbin, movable jaws arranged adjacent the yarn-attaching means, means for actuating said jaws to seize the trailing lengthofV yarn and bin to its point of attachment thereto, and a cam on one of the jaws movable therewith to actuate said severing-means..

1'7. 4In an automatic winding machine, means for 4winding a bobbin, means for doing the wound\bobbin, means for donning a new bobbin, means operative on the yarn trailing from the doffed bobbin to attach it t`o the end of the new bobbin, a yarn-trap located adjacent the yarny attaching means and comprising a pair of pivoted jaws adapted to grasp the length of yarn trailing from the doffed bobbin, means for operating said jaws to cause them'to seize the yarn and position it adjacent the attaching means, a yarn-severing member, resilient means for moving said member toward the winding bobbin to sever the length'of yarnextending from the rst coils of winding thereon to its point of attach- 4ment; thereto, and a cam on one of the jaws operative on the severing-member to withdraw it from operative position with respectto the Winding bobbin. y

GUSTAF S. BECKMAN. 

